William Gilmore Simms’s third novel of the Revolutionary
War (though fifth in order of plot chronology) was originally published in 1841
under the title The Kinsmen. It became an early offering as part of the
Redfield edition under its more popularly-known title The Scout in 1854. A novel
of familial conflict in the context of war and a broad-minded exploration of
patriotism across classes, The Scout
opens shortly after the Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill (aka the Second Battle of
Camden)[1] in May 1781. The action ends with the British departure
from the Star Fort at Ninety ...